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Arthouse Theaters Ask Sony to Allow Them to Show 'The Interview'

Over the weekend, some premature information surfaced about the potential back-up release plans for The Interview after Sony Picturespulled the film amidst terrorist threats from those responsible for hacking the studio earlier this month. The future plans for the film getting a release are still uncertain, but every in Sony's camp is saying it will happen eventually, but it's not clear if movie theaters will show it since they were the ones to bail on the movie first. But if the major movie theater chains won't play the movie, that doesn't mean the arthouse theaters where independent films thrive won't step up to the plate. More below!

The Wrap reports that The Art House Convergence, a national coalition of smaller independent movie theaters, has written an open letter and started a petition saying that they want to screen The Interview for their audiences as a special presentation to make a statement against the terrorists. Here's what they wrote:

"With this threat, the issue became larger than any film, larger than Sony and larger than the entertainment industry: societal and artistic values are in peril. We are at an important crossroads with an opportunity to reaffirm clearly our dedication to the value of freedom and the absolute necessity to keep our film industry free of restriction, censorship and violent intimidation. We implore our fellow exhibitors and our nation of moviegoers to stand up in recognition that freedom of speech and artistic expression are vital not only to the entertainment industry but for all art and commerce worldwide.

We stand in solidarity with Sony and offer our support to them in defense of artistic integrity and personal freedoms; freedoms which represent our nation's great ability to effect change and embrace diversity of opinion.

We understand there are risks involved in screening 'The Interview.' We will communicate these risks as clearly as we can to our employees and customers and allow them to make their own decisions, as is the right of every American. Understanding those risks, the undersigned, independent cinema owners and operators of America under the banner of the Art House Convergence, do hereby agree to support Sony and to support theatrical engagements of 'The Inteview' should Sony, at its sole discretion, decide to release it to theaters."

So take that, corporate mutiplexes! While there's not a single entity at fault her, not enough blame is being put on major movie theater chains for making this a bigger debacle. Therefore, it's pretty outstanding that independent cinemas under this banner are pledging their support for Sony Pictures and their desire to show The Interview, letting us experience the movie as we all deserve to with the freedom we have. That's more than we can say for those in Hollywood who didn't sign a petition started by George Clooney to support Sony Pictures so they didn't have to pull the movie. Anyway, stay tuned to see what happens.

Reader Feedback - 6 Comments

1

I hate this idea... this means that the indi theater is now showing major motion pictures... WTF ? Same place i go and watch IFC movies they are showing Michael Bay transformers ... sure, sell out ... I hope al theaters become a thing of the past. A decaying relic, theaters are a down right waste of time and a rip off of hard earned money. Popcorn for $7.50 - Soda for $7.75 - this is the reason why people have so much hate towards theaters already. Now ticket prices are $16.00 a person - thats almost $40 to see a movie.. Its a waste, I'm glad this happened , i hope the industry rethinks the motion picture release. I hope Sony opts for a VOD option or free with a Crackle subscription. Its the way of the future. Watch it when you want, where you want.

shane willett on Dec 22, 2014

2

I seriously don't understand how anyone can eat and drink while watching a movie?! I find it unnecessary and annoying. Here, I just saved you $15. ;P

Armitall on Dec 22, 2014

3

Arm is just an asshole. I agree with you shane

Ty Webb on Dec 23, 2014

4

It's a special circumstance. Also, most indie theaters do show major motion pictures, because most of them end up getting picked up by studios for distribution anyway. And at awards season, arthouse theaters are full of all the Oscar buzz titles, which are also usually major studio films.